Getting a domain name is not as easy as it once was. While the process to secure the actual domain name is simple and straightforward, it can be a challenge to find a name that suits your business and will still be easy enough for users to remember. Common words and phrases are usually already taken or have to be bought from a third party for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.
Things You'll Need
Computer
Internet service
Credit card, banking info or PayPal account
1
Choose a domain registrar. There are many companies that offer domain registry services. You may want to compare prices, add-on services and other benefits. For example, some registrars will offer you a discount for bulk registrations or offer promotional codes that will save you money. Two big name registrars are Go Daddy and Network Solutions.
2
Choose a domain name. Many registrars offer a domain name wizard. If your first choice is already taken, the wizard will offer you additional options.
3
Choose options. Each registrar will offer different options to go along with your domain name. Some even offer hosting. Almost all will offer items such as private registration and domain name parking.
4
Choose length of registration. You can register the domain name for a single year at a time or for as much as ten years.
5
Put in any promotional codes. Domain name registrars sometimes offer specials that can save you 25 percent or more. Check sites like RetailMeNot.com and CouponCabin.com to find current codes. If you cannot locate a code on those sites, check the registrar's website for any current specials.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid the use of words that are hard to spell. Your customers may have a hard time remembering how to get to your website.
Avoid using dashes or underscores unless you absolutely have to.
Try to keep the name as simple as possible. It's more important that your customers remember how to get to your site than to have a cute domain name.
If the domain name you want is already taken, you may be able to purchase it from the owner.
Once you secure your domain name, try not to let the registration lapse. You risk losing it permanently if you do so.
If you are concerned about others having your personal information, you will want to choose private registration right from the very first. Unfortunately there are sites that store info on you and your domain if you allow it to have public registration even for a short period of time.
By Lori Soard, eHow Contributor
http://www.ehow.com/print/how_8013257_domain-name.html
Getting a domain name is not as easy as it once was. While the process to secure the actual domain name is simple and straightforward, it can be a challenge to find a name that suits your business and will still be easy enough for users to remember. Common words and phrases are usually already taken or have to be bought from a third party for hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.
Things You'll Need
Computer
Internet service
Credit card, banking info or PayPal account
1
Choose a domain registrar. There are many companies that offer domain registry services. You may want to compare prices, add-on services and other benefits. For example, some registrars will offer you a discount for bulk registrations or offer promotional codes that will save you money. Two big name registrars are Go Daddy and Network Solutions.
2
Choose a domain name. Many registrars offer a domain name wizard. If your first choice is already taken, the wizard will offer you additional options.
3
Choose options. Each registrar will offer different options to go along with your domain name. Some even offer hosting. Almost all will offer items such as private registration and domain name parking.
4
Choose length of registration. You can register the domain name for a single year at a time or for as much as ten years.
5
Put in any promotional codes. Domain name registrars sometimes offer specials that can save you 25 percent or more. Check sites like RetailMeNot.com and CouponCabin.com to find current codes. If you cannot locate a code on those sites, check the registrar's website for any current specials.
Tips & Warnings
Avoid the use of words that are hard to spell. Your customers may have a hard time remembering how to get to your website.
Avoid using dashes or underscores unless you absolutely have to.
Try to keep the name as simple as possible. It's more important that your customers remember how to get to your site than to have a cute domain name.
If the domain name you want is already taken, you may be able to purchase it from the owner.
Once you secure your domain name, try not to let the registration lapse. You risk losing it permanently if you do so.
If you are concerned about others having your personal information, you will want to choose private registration right from the very first. Unfortunately there are sites that store info on you and your domain if you allow it to have public registration even for a short period of time.